America’s Skilled Trades Dilemma

During any type of weather event – a spring storm causes heavy rains, hail, fallen trees, or the frigid temperatures of winter causing pipes to freeze or burst, we all know that can be overwhelming.

A lack of tradespeople is going to create an even bigger task for contractors as well as property owners. That leaking roof, flooded basement, HVAC or plumbing repairs or a home remodel project is becoming more challenging. When you do find a qualified contractor is likely to cost more and take longer to complete because of a widespread shortage of skilled tradespeople.

“Skilled trades” refers to a number of occupations which require specific hands-on skills, such as machinists, welders, plumbers, and electricians. These occupations are a critical part of the nation’s workforce, and play key roles in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and repair.

There’s a growing concern that, as the baby-boom generation of skilled-trade workers approaches retirement, there aren’t enough younger workers trained to replace them. This leads to a large factor in the shortage of workers in the skilled trades: educational focus.

The elimination of shop class in high schools played a big role. For many students, this was their first exposure to the kind of hands-on experience that could ignite a career in a trade. Removing the shop and mechanical classes from the high school curriculum has cut-off that pipeline from the school to the industry.

Regardless, it is important to remember that a 4-year university isn’t the best fit for every student, and that vocational schools can offer students valuable skills which can result in immediate employment.

While there may not be a perfect path to helping todays, youth see the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades, there are things that we can to improve the way the industry is perceived.

Below are just a few:

As a society, acknowledge that tradespeople are critical for economic growth and play a huge role in American society.

Recognize and communicate that there are great career advancement opportunities within the construction industry.

Improve marketing strategy and content on advertisements, online, and social media to be more attractive.

Promote the great entrepreneurial opportunities that live within the construction industry.

Provide more trade specific education through high schools and introduce trades at a younger age.

Teach our youth the find joy in working hard and creating something tangible.

Show more success stories about people that have had a great career as a tradesperson.

Showcase the fact that tradespeople have the opportunity to make great money if they are willing to work hard.

As someone who loves this industry, I would love to hear from you. What are some of the reasons you can think of why young people are not considering a trade and what do you think we can do better, as individuals and an industry to change the perception and do a better job of educating and attracting potential job seekers?